Question

. Briefly describe the structure and function of a retrovirus? b. Outline the steps in the process of retrovirus replication. c. Name one well known retrovirus.

Answer 1

Question

The retrovirus are those which have double stranded RNA as their genetic material. The structure of retrovirus consist of three main parts:

I. Outermost layer of this virus consist of glycoprotein.

II. Next layer is protein layer known as Capsid.

III. Then the genome of virus which is double stranded RNA strands are found.

The function of the retrovirus is to cause a disease in their host and integrate their genome into the host genome. One example of known retrovirus is HIV virus.

The steps involved in retrovirus replication are :

I. Attachment : in this step the virus attach itself to the host body.

II. Penetration: in this step the virus get enter in the host body.

III. Uncoating followed by replication: the virus looses it envelope and integrate it's RNA into the host genome. The RNA start replicating within the help of enzyme like reverse transcriptase.

IV. Assembly : the virus are assemble in the host body.